Natalie Foster
Licensed Professional Counselor
What is Ketamine-Assisted EMDR?
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR combines low-dose ketamine with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to support trauma processing and emotional healing.
EMDR helps you process painful or overwhelming experiences that may still be affecting you today. Ketamine can temporarily change how you experience thoughts, emotions, and your surroundings, potentially creating a different therapeutic experience when incorporated into EMDR.
For some people, understanding their experiences isn't enough to change how they feel or respond. This approach offers another way to engage in the therapeutic process, with the goal of working through unresolved experiences and developing healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR is one option within my broader approach to therapy. Traditional EMDR and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) are also available independently, depending on your needs and goals.
How does Ketamine-Assisted EMDR work?
There are different ways to incorporate ketamine and EMDR into therapy. Whether you choose traditional ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, combine KAP with EMDR afterward, or use low-dose ketamine during EMDR processing, treatment begins with preparation and continues through integration.
1. Preparation and intention setting
We begin by getting to know you, your history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. We will discuss what you hope to explore and establish a foundation of safety, trust, and emotional support. Preparation may include identifying intentions, developing grounding strategies, and discussing what to expect during treatment.
2. Your ketamine and EMDR treatment approach
There are two ways to combine ketamine and EMDR:
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Traditional KAP followed by EMDR: You begin with traditional ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, including the ketamine experience and therapeutic integration. EMDR can then be incorporated into subsequent sessions to help process memories, emotions, and beliefs that continue to affect you.
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Low-dose Ketamine-Assisted EMDR: A low dose of ketamine is incorporated directly into an EMDR processing session. Ketamine and EMDR are used together during the same session, with bilateral stimulation and therapeutic support.
You can also choose traditional KAP or traditional EMDR independently. Combining the two is not required.
3. Integration and lasting change
The work does not end when the medication wears off. Integration gives us an opportunity to reflect on your experience, explore emotions or insights that emerged, and connect them to your everyday life. Together, we can identify patterns, strengthen healthier perspectives, and translate what you learn into meaningful changes in how you relate to yourself and others.
You may benefit from Ketamine-Assisted EMDR if you:
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You have experienced trauma or difficult life experiences that continue to affect how you feel, think, or respond.
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You understand your patterns intellectually but still struggle to change them emotionally.
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You experience anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or feel stuck in familiar reactions.
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You struggle with negative beliefs about yourself, such as “I’m not enough,” “I’m not safe,” or “Something is wrong with me.”
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You notice recurring relationship patterns, difficulty trusting others, or challenges with emotional connection.
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You feel disconnected from yourself, your emotions, or the people around you.
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You have tried traditional talk therapy but feel like something is still missing.
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You are interested in exploring a different approach to processing difficult experiences and creating meaningful change.
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You are high-functioning or successful on the outside but continue to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck internally.
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You are curious about combining ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and EMDR as part of your healing process.
Watch this video for more information on Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP)!
FAQs for Ketamine-Assisted EMDR
What is the difference between traditional KAP followed by EMDR and Ketamine-Assisted EMDR?
These are two different approaches. With traditional KAP followed by EMDR, you first participate in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, including preparation, the ketamine experience, and integration. EMDR can then be incorporated into subsequent therapy sessions. With Ketamine-Assisted EMDR, a low dose of ketamine is incorporated directly into an EMDR processing session, so both approaches are used together during the same session.
Do I have to combine ketamine and EMDR?
No. You can participate in traditional EMDR or traditional ketamine-assisted psychotherapy without combining the two. Combining them is simply another option depending on your goals, needs, and clinical appropriateness.
Do I need to have done EMDR before trying Ketamine-Assisted EMDR?
Not necessarily. We will discuss your history, treatment goals, and readiness during the preparation process to determine whether this approach is appropriate for you.
Who prescribes and manages the ketamine?
Ketamine is prescribed and medically managed by a qualified medical provider. I provide the psychotherapy component, including preparation, therapeutic support, EMDR when appropriate, and integration. I can help connect you with a medical provider for an evaluation.
Will I be able to talk during a ketamine session?
Ketamine can change your awareness, perception, and experience of your thoughts and emotions. The level of interaction may vary depending on the dose and individual response. Traditional KAP does not require you to talk throughout the experience. For low-dose Ketamine-Assisted EMDR, we consider your ability to participate and engage in processing when determining whether this approach is appropriate.
Do I have to share every detail of my trauma?
No. You do not have to share every detail of an experience for therapy to be meaningful. We work together to establish safety and determine what feels appropriate to explore. You remain an active part of the process.
Can I continue working with my current therapist?
Yes. With your permission, I can coordinate with your current therapist to support continuity of care. This can be especially helpful if you are seeking KAP or EMDR as an additional part of your existing treatment.
How do I know which approach is right for me?
There is no single approach that works for everyone. During an initial consultation, we can discuss your goals, history, and treatment preferences to explore whether traditional KAP, traditional EMDR, KAP followed by EMDR, or low-dose Ketamine-Assisted EMDR may be a good fit.
Ketamine Assisted EMDR in Scottsdale Arizona
Natalie Foster Therapy
Therapy for adults ready to heal, grow, and create lasting change in Scottsdale, Arizona.